ABOUT OUR BELIEF IN A CURE

The Board is the executive branch of The Cure Starts Now. Its purpose is to approve all actions, budgets, and recommendations at the advice of the various councils.

Keith Desserich, Chair

Keith Desserich is a father, and DIPG parent to Elena Desserich, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Cure Starts Now. Professionally, he is an entrepreneur of over 7 businesses with 25 years of experience. He is also an author of "Notes Left Behind."

Gavin Baumgardner, DO

Gavin Baumgardner, DO completed his education at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine with residency at Doctors Hospital. He is currently Chief Medical Officer of Partners for Kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He is Chair of the CSN Medical Advisory Council.

Brooke Desserich

Brooke Desserich is a passionate advocate for childhood cancer research, a seasoned entrepreneur with 28+ years of experience. As the Co-Founder of The Cure Starts Now, she has spearheaded efforts to raise millions for pediatric cancer research and support, establishing 55+ chapters in 4 countries.

Brooke is the New York Times bestselling co-author of Notes Left Behind, a memoir that has inspired millions. Her impactful work has been recognized with the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Award and has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and The View.

Above all, she is an ultra-proud mom of three, dedicated to creating a brighter future for children battling cancer

Tamara Ekis

Tamara Ekis is a kindergarten teacher and the mother of four children: Colin, Garrett, Grace and Claire. She was thrust into the DIPG community in January of 2007 when her then four-year-old daughter Grace was diagnosed with the deadly disease. Tamara and her husband, Brian, founded the Reflections Of Grace Foundation, a DIPG Collaborative member, in Grace's memory and have dedicated their lives to the fight against DIPG.

Dan Lee

Dan and his Wife, Kerry, have lived in Cincinnati since meeting at Miami University. He became connected to CSN through his involvement with the Hyde Park Blast. Dan is a Board Member of the Blast, as well as the Cincinnati Lab Rescue.

Alyssa Hawranko

Alyssa Hawranko is a Senior MSL for AstraZeneca's Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease team. A mother of two (Nick and Noah), Alyssa is also the founder and leader of the CSN Western Pennsylvania Chapter as well as the head of the Strategic Advisory Council. Her work with The Cure Starts Now, especially raising awareness for DIPG, is driven in memory of her daughter, Alyson.

Terry Regan

Terry Regan is the chair of the CSN Investment Advisory Council as well as a member of the Board of Directors. He is currently a partner in the McLaughlin Wealth Management Group of Morgan Stanley.